5th Grade S.S. LEAP Rule of Timbuktu

Use Source 1 and Source 2 to answer the question.
Which words best describe the political and social systems in Timbuktu during the reign of Mansa Musa and Askia Muhammad? Select the two correct answers.

• Islamic law

• democracy

• monarchy

• republic

• theocracy

Use Source 2 to answer the question.
Which phrase explains the most likely reason the image in Source 2 was created?

• to show the role and importance of scholars and judges in Timbuktu

• to show that Timbuktu was ruled by uneducated leaders

• to show that the people of Timbuktu rejected legal traditions

• to show that Timbuktu’s legal system was weak

Use Source 3 to answer the questions.

Part A: Which phrase best describes the purpose of the legal traditions in Timbuktu?

• to provide justice based on Islamic law

• to prevent trade with foreign merchants

• to outlaw religious practices

• to eliminate the role of judges

Part B: Which quotation from Source 3 best supports the answer to Part A?

• “To the people of Timbuktu: We uphold justice according to the laws set forth.”

• “Merchants and traders shall be protected.”

• “Judges and officials shall be chosen based on their knowledge of the law.”

• “Those taken as captives without cause shall be freed immediately.”

Select the best answer to complete the sentences about the events that followed the establishment of law in Timbuktu.

Askia Muhammad strengthened Islamic law. This action led to the (a)  

• Expansion of the Sankore University
• Collapse of the Mali Empire
• Revolt against the Songhai Empire
• Abandonment of Timbuktu

After Moroccan forces invaded, the new rulers​​ (a)  

• Imposed new foreign governance
• Expanded Timbuktu’s influence
• Created a new monarchy
• Allowed previous laws to remain unchanged

Use Source 3 to answer the question.
Which statements best explain why the legal traditions of Timbuktu are historically important? Select the two correct answers.

• They established trade regulations that protected merchants.

• They stated that justice should be accessible to all people.

• They allowed leaders to ignore the law when necessary.

• They required scholars to serve as rulers.

• They reinforced the idea that rulers must follow the law.

Use the sources to answer the question.
Explain two different effects that the rule of law had on Timbuktu. As you write, be sure to fully answer all parts of the prompt using information and examples from your knowledge of social studies.